JOHN W. "JACK" PREST

JOHN W. "JACK" PREST, age 77, beloved husband of 51 years to the late Terry (nee Riegler); loving father of P.J. Matisak (Joanie), Jessie Hettinger, Briana Prest(Jeff Nenadal) and Shelly Hanna (Mark); proud "Papa" of Paige Cannizzaro (Gio), Madison (Varun Rawal), Katelyn, Grace, Keith and Amelia; brother of David (Jan-deceased), Bill (Linda), Jane Holly (John) and Bob-deceased (Cathy); uncle of many; U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, retired Olmsted Twp. firefighter and owner of Jack's Auto Body in North Olmsted; Passed away June 2, 2024 after a brief battle with Leukemia. Funeral Service Friday, June 7, at 12 Noon in the CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD., where friends may call THURSDAY 4-7 P.M. Interment Chestnut Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to: projecthealingwaters.org (specify Rocky River).

Jack was a devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather. He was married to his soulmate, Terry, for 51 years. Jack and Terry enjoyed many adventures together: traveling to Vietnam, Hawaii, and the national parks out west. They also enjoyed riding their Harley Davidson and traveling to Bike Week in Sturgis. 

Jack is a US Army Vietnam Combat Veteran. He was drafted December 1967 and was discharged December 1969. He received the National Defense Service Medal, 1st Class gunner (M-60), Expert Marksman (M-14 & M-16), Vietnam Service Medal with (2) Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. 

Jack was the owner of Jack’s Autobody in North Olmsted, OH for over 20 years where his wife was the office manager.  He was co-owner of Nautilus Health Club in Westlake.  In 1990’s, Jack was sworn in as the first paramedic in Olmsted Township where he was a Fireman/Paramedic for many years. He was part of the SERB SWAT team and worked at St. John West Shore Hospital Emergency Room as a paramedic. Jack was a life-long learner and trained to become rope-rescue certified and underwater search and recovery certified. 

Jack loved to fish his whole life. Some of his greatest memories were spending time with his family fishing and enjoying Lake Erie. His love of fishing will live on in his children and grandchildren. 

Jack and Terry are finally reunited and riding together again.